Kaká

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kaká's defining era at Milan peaked during the 2006–07 season, where he became the focal point of the offense following Shevchenko's departure. He operated as a hybrid between a striker and an attacking midfielder, scoring his first Champions League hat-trick against Anderlecht and finishing the campaign as the tournament's top scorer with ten goals. His performances were instrumental in eliminating Manchester United in the semi-finals, where he netted three goals, before guiding Milan to a 2–1 victory over Liverpool in the final on May 23, 2007. Although he went scoreless in that final match, he won the free kick leading to the opening goal and provided the assist for the second. This triumph earned him the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award, the FIFA World Player of the Year title, and the 2007 Ballon d'Or, cementing his status as the best player in the world.

In Their Own Story

On November 2, 2006, Kaká announced his dominance in Europe by scoring a hat-trick against Anderlecht in a 4–1 group stage victory. As the 2006–07 Champions League unfolded, he carried the weight of Milan's offense with breathtaking consistency. The journey culminated in Athens on May 23, 2007, when Milan faced Liverpool again. In a match that avenged the 'Miracle of Istanbul' from two years prior, Kaká's influence was decisive even without a goal. He won the free kick for Paolo Maldini's opener and set up Filippo Inzaghi's second, securing the European Cup. This performance propelled him to win the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and top forward awards, validating his year-long dominance.

Reader's Guide

Kaká joined AC Milan in 2003 for €8.5 million, quickly becoming essential to Carlo Ancelotti's system. Initially replacing Rui Costa behind a front three including Shevchenko, he scored ten goals and provided key assists, helping the team win Serie A and the UEFA Super Cup. His role evolved significantly after Shevchenko left in 2006; Kaká became the primary goal threat, often playing as a second striker or roaming forward while retaining his playmaking duties. He was supported defensively by Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf, allowing him freedom to attack. Throughout his six-year stint, he won the Serie A title in 2004, reached two Champions League finals (losing in 2005, winning in 2007), and won the UEFA Super Cup twice (2003, 2007). His individual accolades include being named the 2005 UEFA Club Football Best Midfielder and the 2007 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker. In 2010, he was inducted into the AC Milan Hall of Fame.

Did You Know?

• Kaká joined AC Milan in 2003 for a fee of €8.5 million, which Silvio Berlusconi later described as 'peanuts'.
• In the 2006–07 Champions League, Kaká finished as the tournament's top goalscorer with ten goals.
• Kaká scored three goals against Manchester United in the 2007 Champions League semi-finals at Old Trafford.
• He was named the 2005 UEFA Club Football Best Midfielder and the 2007 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker.
• After six years with Milan, Kaká returned to the club for a single season in 2013 before moving on.